Broncos sign kicker Matt Prater to four-year contract

And the Broncos executive vice president of football operations has consistently expressed confidence the Broncos and kicker Matt Prater would work out a multi-year deal. And the team and its designated franchise player did just that with a four-year deal worth $13 million.

The contract included a $3 million signing bonus.

"It feels amazing, it's something I've worked for since I was a little kid," Prater said Monday. "As far as the process, it's kind of tough, especially when the practices started because I wanted to be there. But in the end I knew it was gonna get done.

"The Broncos made it pretty easy, my agent (Frank Bauer) did a great job. I'm excited to be back."

Prater sat out the Broncos' offseason program without the long-term deal in hand. He had been designated as the franchise player and had a one-year, $2.6 million tender in place for the upcoming season if a contract had not been completed.

Prater had four game-winning field goals last season, including three consecutive weeks in which he kicked the winner on the final play. He also led the league in touchback percentage (70.1) as 47 of his 67 kickoffs were not returned.

Entering his sixth NFL season, Prater now ranks second in Broncos' history with an 80.4 percent field goal conversion rate, just behind Jason Elam (80.6 percent). He is also one of the league's best from long range having made 12-of-16 kicks from 50 yards or more and has converted 28-of-29 kicks in the fourth quarter or overtime.

The Broncos signed Prater off the Dolphins practice squad in 2007.

The deal ensures Prater will be with the team when training camp opens with physicals and meetings July 25. The first two-a-day session will be July 26.

"This was the final piece in setting our roster for camp, and we are thrilled Matt is going to be a Bronco for a long time," Elway said via Twitter.